Sharpening advice needed.... [pic]

[Dallas_TX]

Well, I thought I was a pretty darn good knife sharpener. Yessireeebob. I took in and did the knives for the neighbor-ladies and all the family, they loved it. Their knives would slice paper and hair and all that gee-whiz stuff we knive-sharpeners love to show off. Yeah, I thought I was pretty darn good alrighty......

Until I saw my Endura 4 ZDP straight from the box. Holy-Ka-Moly, I've not seen a knife that sharp, ever. So, while I prepare to eBay! the sharpening equipment I currently own, could one of you please tell me:

1) How do they do that? Attached is a picture of the edge, so clearly it's not a thing that a regular fella is going to do in his garage, but still, how is it done? It is so sharp one could drop a hair on it like a flippin' Popeye cartoon and watch it split.

2) For you guys that own a Sharpmaker AND also buy new knives often, will the sharpmaker actually reproduce this sharpness similar to a new Spyderco? After witnessing this edge, I feel like a junkie ("I gotta have it, man...").

3) I've heard that I can send them to the factory for a sharpening, do they come back like new? I understand there's a little wait to the process...

In case you're wondering, I usually use a paper wheel bench grinder system and a diamond rat-tail for serrations. I also keep a good steel and Arkansas stone for touch-ups. I REALLY liked all that equipment until I opened my new knife. I really love that new knife by the way.

Thanks for your advice.......

Ol' Dallas

http://raymondshay.com/web/RAW_0404zzzz.jpg

[uhiforgot]

Welcome to the forum, Dallas! That's an AMAZING macro shot of the edge you have there!

I know this spankin'-new ZDP sharpness you speak of, and it is a true thing of beauty. Other Spydies are sharp out of the box, but this is something special. So far as how to replicate it, I'll not be of much help except in telling you that only a few seasoned masters among us (I not one) have achieved this earth-shaking level of sharpness by their own hand. And even though such a thing IS possible, it is not a matter tutorial, but of experience.

So far as eBaying your current gear, I'd suggest against it. Don't be so quick to abandon the tools to which you have grown so close. Your years of sharpening have been spent using that equipment, so you know it well and, more importantly, you know it WORKS. Stick around here long enough, and you'll learn that there are different types of "edges" (not referring to plain and serrated) that work better for different situations, and your style and methods of sharpening will determine the edge that you produce. The ZDP sharpness, though stunning, is outshined by other types of edges in certain situations.

However, I DO suggest you get a sharpmaker as it is a very handy tool and will especially come in handy for sharpening serrated edges. I have used one since I can remember graduating from a stick covered in emery cloth that I built as a scout. The sharpmaker MAY help get you closer to reproducing the ZDP factory edge, but you will also find that learned and practiced techniques are factors as great and important as the sharpmaker itself. In short, it is an investment you will not regret.

Here's to your Endura, and the many great experiences to come!

[bell]

In response to your questions. I dont know how they do that, and I dont think it can be replecated...only prolonged with loving care. The sharpmaker is the way to go.

[eastr]

yes yes get a sharpmaker before it is to late you can prolong the factory edge with regular touch up. but for the sake of your sanatiy don't let it get dull resharpen is hell :D

[JD Spydo]

I have been singing the praises of ZDP-189 ever since they released it in the Burgundy Calypso JR. There is some property in that steel that just makes for a very grippy edge.

Also ZDP-189 seems to hold an edge better than just about any blade steel that comes to mind. I have been carrying my ZDP Burgundy Calypso Jr since July of 2005. I have only had to do 2 complete sharpenings of that knife in all that time. Most of the time I can get it razor sharp again by touching it up on the 204 Sharpmaker or on my German made F. Dick sharpening steel.

I know exactly what you mean in reference to the performance of ZDP-189 steel

[Capt. Carl]

A few swipes on my white stones and the ZDP Caly is back to razor sharp.

[The Mastiff]

I have been singing the praises of ZDP-189 ever since they released it in the Burgundy Calypso JR. There is some property in that steel that just makes for a very grippy edge.

Carbon, Chrome, moly, and tungsten. See why I'm a tungsten steel fan? :) Joe

[vampyrewolf]

first off, as stated before.... touchup, don't sharpen. It's a LOT easier to maintain a sharp edge than create one on a dull knife. It's even more fun on highly abrasion resistant steels (cpm, zdp). S30V is easier than CPM440V, but even it takes a while to sharpen iff dull. Haven't played with zdp myself yet.

Look for a good strop. I have one hanging by the stairs, I use it that much. Depending on use I strop at least once a week. Veritas Green (0.5micron SiC paste) seems expensive till you realize how long it lasts. I don't think I've used 5% of my stick in 2yrs. Oil up the strop, rub the compound in, and let it dry. You'll soon see how sharp you can get.

If you REALLY want to see scary sharp serrations... use the 204 on it with the whites at 30deg, and then hit it with that paper wheel (or a bootlace loaded with veritas green and a stropping motion). You'll get scallops that will shave. Yes, I said you can shave with a serrated blade. :D

My "user" edge is freehand, simply to allow for variance in pressure that the 204 doesn't allow. Finely polished at 30deg, and light pressure on a courser stone at 40deg. Might take me 20-30min to get a "perfect" edge, but it'll last weeks.

[dialex]

Hi Dallas, welcome to the Spyderco Forum and enjoy your stay here.
How do they do it? Well, they say a magician never reveals his secrets, so bear with Spyderco ;)
However, just like my forespeakers, I second the 204 praises. It is an amazing tool for maintaining an edge. The bench grinder is very good for reprofiling, but the 204 gives the fine finishing you need.